Today Vermont’s House Judiciary Committee approved House Bill 200, which would decriminalize up to two ounces of marijuana, including the private cultivation of two plants. Under this proposal, those in possession of such an amount would be, at most, ticketed at $100. Under current law possessing even a couple grams is a misdemeanor offense that can net someone up to 6 months in prison.

Vermont’s Senate Judiciary Committee held a public hearing on a companion bill to this measure last week, though pushed off a committee vote. A full House vote is expected to occur as soon as this Friday.

Advocates in Vermont should absolutely be looking up and contacting their legislators, urging them to support decriminalization, which would save the state money and free up law enforcement to focus on more serious crimes.

– TheJointBlog

Anthony Martinelli

Anthony is co-founder and Editor-in-Chief of TheJointBlog. He has worked closely with numerous elected officials who support cannabis law reform, including as the former Campaign Manager for King County (WA) Councilmember Dave Upthegrove. He has been published by multiple media outlets, and is a former contributor for Village Voice Media.